Damaged Hard Drive - HELP!

[DLKphoto]

I recently started to move all of my photos from several computers to one external hard drive. Copying the files seemed like a pain in the neck because I was trying to organize and it was hard to remember what was copied, etc. etc. So moving the files seemed easy enough and then I would back up the drive. What a mistake!

I forgot the external drive was connected to the back of my laptop and while on a phone call I decided to move my laptop, pulling the hard drive off the table on right on to the floor. Two and a half foot drop and now the drive will power up and go through a series of clicks and then go to 'standby' mode. Some of the older photos I have backed up to disc but there are professional and personal photos from the last six months that are gone including some rock climbing photos, my trip to China, etc.

HELP! I've checked out many of the data recovery outlets and see prices in the thousands. Anyone know of a good way to go about this? Maybe data recovery outfit they've had good experience with? I am concerned with privacy issues and the possibility they will keep a copy. Again some of the photos are of a personal nature too. Any help would be appreciated.

[pakololo]

If you live in LA your in luck. If your hard drive didn't suffer any internal damage and can still be ready by your computer, your also in luck!

I've performed several rescues, Answer me this important question:
What happens when you plug it in?

PM me if you wish!

[DLKphoto]

Hey Franciso! It spins up clicks about three times like it's trying to move. Then it spins it down and repeats the click cycle one more time before going to standby mode.

[EWek11]

Clicking from your HD is never a good sign. It's the first indication of a failed/failing drive. Your data probably can be recovered, though, but it is usually cost prohibitive.
Companies like http://www.salvagedata.com/ can work wonders, but it's likely to be expensive. They will, however, quote you for free I believe and inform you of costs up front before servicing your equipment.
Sorry it's not better news, maybe someone else will have some more info, but I would advise against continually allowing the drive to partially spin up and down until you have some more info.
Good luck, be sure to post back if you find a solution.